Unit 1322: Comprehensive Biochemistry

1. Introduction to Biochemistry

• Definition and scope of biochemistry
• Importance in understanding biological processes
• Relationship to biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine
• Historical milestones and key figures

2. Biomolecules

2.1 Carbohydrates

• Monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides
• Structure and function
• Energy storage and structural roles

2.2 Lipids

• Types: triglycerides, phospholipids, steroids
• Hydrophobic properties and biological functions
• Role in membranes and signaling

2.3 Proteins

• Amino acids and peptide bonds
• Primary to quaternary structures
• Enzymatic, structural, transport, and regulatory functions

2.4 Nucleic Acids

• DNA and RNA structures
• Roles in genetic information storage and transfer

3. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics

• Enzyme structure and active sites
• Mechanism of catalysis
• Factors affecting enzyme activity (pH, temperature, inhibitors)
• Michaelis-Menten kinetics
• Enzyme inhibition types

4. Metabolism

4.1 Overview of Metabolic Pathways

• Anabolism vs catabolism
• Role of ATP and energy currency

4.2 Metabolic Regulation

• Feedback inhibition
• Hormonal regulation
• Compartmentalization

5. Cellular Respiration

• Glycolysis: steps and energy yield
• Citric Acid Cycle: key intermediates and outputs
• Oxidative Phosphorylation: electron transport chain and chemiosmosis
• ATP synthesis and its cellular importance

6. Photosynthesis

• Overview of photosynthesis process
• Light-dependent reactions: photosystems, electron transport, ATP, and NADPH production
• Light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle): carbon fixation and carbohydrate synthesis
• Photosynthetic pigments and light absorption

7. DNA Replication and Protein Synthesis

7.1 DNA Replication

• Semiconservative replication
• Enzymes involved (helicase, DNA polymerase, ligase)

7.2 Transcription

• RNA synthesis
• Promoters, terminators, and RNA processing

7.3 Translation

• Genetic code
• Ribosome structure and function
• tRNA and amino acid incorporation

8. Biochemical Techniques

• Spectroscopy (UV-Vis, fluorescence)
• Chromatography (paper, column, HPLC)
• Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE, agarose gel)
• Recombinant DNA technology (cloning, PCR, gene editing)

9. Biochemical Basis of Disease

• Metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes, phenylketonuria)
• Genetic mutations affecting proteins and enzymes
• Role of biochemistry in diagnosis and treatment

10. Emerging Trends in Biochemistry

• Systems biology and integrative approaches
• Structural biology and molecular modeling
• Bioinformatics and computational biology
• Personalized medicine and targeted therapies